The hog badger occurs in Central to Southeast Asia. It is found in Mongolia, India (Sikkim, Terai, Assam, Arunacha Pradesh), throughout southern China, Indochina (Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Cambodia), Myanmar, in Indonesia (Sumatra), throughout Thailand and possibly in Perak, Malaysia (Lekagul and McNeely 1977; Duckworth 1997; Pocock 1941; Holden 2006; Roberton et al. in prep.; Than Zaw et al. in press). There is one isolated record in eastern Mongolia (Aimak Dornod) (Stubbe et al. 1998). According to Holden (2006) in Sumatra the hog badger appears to occur primarily above 2,000 m with one record at 700 m, and historical records also indicate a montane range (Miller 1942). Corbet and Hill's (1992) map suggest that on Sumatra the species is restricted to the southern part of the island, whereas, in fact, individuals have been found in many mountainous locations in the north as well (van Strien 2001).

In Lao PDR, most recent records are from the central part of the country, with some from the north, although historic records come also from the south (Duckworth 1997, Duckworth et al. 1999). There are recent indirect reports (unsubstantiated villager reports) from many survey areas in Lao PDR, but few documented records (R.J. Timmins and J.W. Duckworth pers. comm. 2006); in aggregate, these suggest that this species was present in the recent past, but has more or less been hunted out from quite wide areas (J.W. Duckworth in litt. 2006). Deuve (1972) considered that the species occurred in the southern region of Lao PDR, listing several lowland sites; however, Deuve’s Lao range information is often faulty (e.g. Timmins and Duckworth 1999), so this cannot be taken as complete confirmation the animal was formerly widespread in Lao lowlands. All seven records in 1992-1996 were from in and around the Nam Theun catchment at sites above 500 m (Duckworth 1997), while both historical sites listed by Delacour (1940) are in mountainous areas: Phongsali and the Bolaven Plateau. The post-1996 records are also from hills and mountains (Duckworth et al. 1999).

Hog badgers, Arctonyx collaris, have a wide distribution in southeast Asia. This distribution is mostly tropical. The species os found from Sikkim and northeastern China to Thailand. To the west, its range is bounded by the Indian subcontinent. Hog badgers also are found on the island of Sumatra (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

A. collaris is very similar in size and build to Meles meles, a Eurasian badger. Hog badgers are typically 550 mm to 700 mm in length, and have tails 120 mm to 170 mm long. Weight ranges from 7 to 14 kg.

Fur on the body is yellowish to grey, although the feet and belly are black. Black eye stripes run from the nose to the ears. There are also stripes that run from the mouth to the main stripe. The black stripes are contrasted by white fur on the head. As with Meles, the coloration pattern has been interpreted to be a warning to potential enemies that this creature should be left undisturbed.

A. collaris has long, pale-colored claws, a useful distinction from Meles, which has dark claws. Hog badgers also have a pig-like snout, which has a patch of naked skin at its tip.

(Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

Range mass: 7 to 14 kg.

Range length: 550 to 700 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

A. collaris prefers forested areas along with lowland jungles. Hog badgers have been observed to inhabitat areas up to 3,500 m in elevation, and use a wide array of habitat types throughout southeast Asia, including grasslands and agricultural areas (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

Range elevation: 0 to 3,500 m.

Habitat Regions: tropical

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest ; mountains

Other Habitat Features: agricultural

A. collaris will eat just about anything, including worms, invertebrates, fruits, and roots. It forages for food using its sense of smell. Hog badgers use their snouts, incisors, and the canine teeth of the lower jaw to root in the ground much like a pig. Hog badgers will eat other small animals (such as small mammals) if given the opportunity. However, as with Eurasiam badgers, their favorite food appears to be earthworms. (Nowak, 1999; Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983).

Animal Foods: mammals; insects; terrestrial worms

Plant Foods: roots and tubers; fruit

Primary Diet: carnivore (Vermivore)

Not much is known about roles that A. collaris plays in the ecosystem. Becuase of their dietary habits, these badgers likely play some role in regulating populations of invertebrates. They dig into the soil, so they contribute to aeration of the soil. To the extent that other small animals use abandoned burrows, they create habitat.

Ecosystem Impact: soil aeration

A. collaris has big claws, strong jaws, thick and flexible loose skin, and a nasty disposition. All of thes attributes help hog badgers fend off predators. Their coloration pattern is though to be aposematic--a warning that they are dangerous and should be left alone (Nowak, 1999). Hog badgers are good diggers, and can dig out of sight if threatend. Like other mustelids, they can also produce secretions from their anal glands, but it is not known if this is used as a defense mechanism (Jackson, 2001).

Known Predators:

• tigers (Panthera tigris)
• leopards (Panthera pardus)

Arctonyx collaris preys on:
Annelida
Insecta
Mammalia

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Arctonyx collaris is prey of:
Panthera pardus
Panthera tigris

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Communication patterns in A. collaris have not been documented. They likely involve scents, as well as vocalizations and some tactile communication, as in other species of mustelid.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Not much is known about the lifespan of A. collaris in the wild. However, in captivity one hog badger reached 13 years 11 months of age (Jackson, 2001; Nowak, 1999).

Range lifespan

Status: captivity: 14 (high) years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 13.9 years.

Maximum longevity: 15.8 years (captivity) Observations: There is usually a delayed implantation. Although females may be pregnant for up to 10 months, the postimplantation gestation period takes about 6 weeks.

The mating system and behavior of this species is not known.

Not much is known about the reproductive behavior of A. collaris. In the wild, the young are born in a burrow and litter sizes typically range from 2 to 4 cubs (Ernest, 1977; Ernest, 1986; Jackson, 2001; Long et al., 1983). Mating occurs in May, and births occur the following February or March, indicating a pregancy length of 10 months. This has suggested a period of delayed implantation, as is found in Eurasian badgers, Meles meles (Nowak, 1999). Weaning apparently occurs around four months of age (Nowak, 1999).

In captivity, young hog badgers reach adult size around 7.5 months of age. Mating at the Toronto zoo was observed throughout the spring and summer months, although birth of a litter occurred the following February. Delayed implantation was again suspected, and the actual gestation was estimated as 6 weeks. This is also about the duration of embyonic development in M. meles, which ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. The female hog badger at the Toronto zoo produced litters during each of two successive years. (Nowak, 1999)

Breeding season: Breeding appears to occur in May, with births occurring the following February or March.

Range number of offspring: 2 to 4.

Average gestation period: 10 months.

Average weaning age: 4 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous ; delayed implantation

Average birth mass: 58 g.

Average gestation period: 42 days.

Average number of offspring: 3.

Females of this species nurse their young for about 4 months (Nowak, 1999).

Parental Investment: female parental care

There is no information available on conservation of A. collaris. The species is not listed by CITES or by IUCN.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

There is no information on how A. collaris adversely affects humans. The Eurasian badger, however, is known to carry bovine tuberculosis (Nowak, 1999). It is possible that hog bagers also carry diseases common to livestock. Eurasian badgers, which have a diet very like that of hog badgers, are also known to damage crops (Nowak, 1999), and it is likely that A. collaris is similar in that regard.

There is no information on the benefits of A. collaris for humans.